Weather Data to Optimize Solar Power

Solar 1 Weather Stations feature an all-in-one sensor unit with ultrasonic wind direction and speed measurements, impact rain gauge, capacitive relative humidity, temperature and barometric pressure readings. No moving parts enhances ease of installation and durability. The impact rain sensor offers precipitation accumulation and rate. Connected through the Weather MicroServer, the Solar 1 Weather Station includes panel temperature and solar radiation sensor(s).

“​We like the price point, always get a response, and it integrates easily into our SCADA system.” ~Joe Brotherton, Technical Services Manager

Solar 2 Weather Stations combine the flexibility of modular sensor package with the reliability and affordability of mechanical wind sensors. Individual sensors can be sited optimally with air temperature and humidity sensors in a radiation shield, solid state barometric pressure sensor, plus panel temperature and solar radiation sensor(s) with optional tipping bucket rain gauge. Data is output through the Weather MicroServer.

Solar 3 Weather Stations feature the Weather MicroServer with air temperature, panel temperature, and solar radiation sensor(s). Additional optional sensors are available.

Easy Installation and Operation

• – CWS weather stations are preferred for ease of installation.
• – Systems come complete, tested and pre-configured to facilitate easy installation by your local site electrician or electrical contractor.
• – No required programming or special training to install, operate and maintain.
• – No long-term contract required.
• – You own the equipment and data.
• – We are readily available for free technical assistance in the unlikely event it is required.

Swinerton’s weather stations include the Orion sensor module plus a panel temperature sensor and two solar radiation sensors – one at plane of array and the other on a tracker. The system is connected through the Weather MicroServer. “We like the price point, always get a response, and it integrates easily into our SCADA system," said Joe Brotherton, manager of the technical services team.

Columbia Weather integrated the Hukseflux SR20 solar sensor for a Canadian Swinerton project. SR20 is a pyranometer of the highest category in the ISO 9060 classification system: secondary standard. This solar radiation sensor is used where the highest measurement accuracy is required.

Weather Data Provides Context for Performance

Cleanspark, a microgrid company with controls for distributed energy resource management systems based in San Diego, uses a Solar 2 Weather Station to give context to their performance metrics. They use weather-corrected solar generation data based on measured irradiance from the weather station versus modeled irradiance when calculating actual performance versus modeled for contractual obligations. Additionally, weather data “will be the basis of certain alarm conditions as well as reporting,” according to Bryan Huber, chief operations officer. “Weather information is highly useful for load and production forecasting.”